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The EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) and SafeWork NSW have undertaken an investigation into the HFZY 30 EEBD escape hoods and found them not to be suitable for escape purposes and/or not fit for purpose. The national Competent Authorities Panel (CAP) voted last week to make the HFZY unsuitable nationwide for DG Transport. CAP also voted to provide clearer guidance in the ADG Code about requirements for escape Breathing Apparatus (BA) which will include a requirement that it comply with AS 1716.

As regards the duration of air supply, the ADG Code does not specifically state a 15 minute minimum. However, a 15 minute minimum is implied in a notation Table 12.2 that “a duration of greater than 15 minutes may be required……” I expect that this will be clarified in the revision to the Code and I expect that a 15 minute duration will be required.

Please click the following link to view the Letter To Licensees put out by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on 7 Nov 17 regarding AIR SUPPLIED SHORT TERM BREATHING APPARATUS SUITABLE FOR ESCAPE PURPOSES .

For every $200 ex GST spent on Prochoice, Linq, Pratt or Thortz safety products you receive an entry into the draw to win one of two Prochoice Jetski's and trailer bundle. Whilst you are protecting your workers, you are protecting your own summer holiday dreams.

Go into the draw to win one of two Prochoice JetSki's.

Entries close 30 November 2017, so be quick and enter as often as you can.

The following excerpt from Australian Standards clearly states the reasons why it is essential for all Flammable Cabinets to be lockable.

AS1940-2004 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids

2.3.2 Operations

The following handling requirements and precautions apply:

(a) Persons who handle the liquids shall be fully aware of the hazards involved.

(b) All storage areas shall be secured against access by unauthorized persons at all times.

Justrite Flammable Cabinets Lockable SureGrip Ex Handle - Dual lock

For these reasons Justrite dangerous goods storage cabinets are lockable and can also be fitted with a padlock to ensure authorised personnel only. This double lock option adds an extra level of security to protect your business from theft as well as untrained employees from dangerous substances.

The Suregrip handle is more streamlined and flush to avoid getting snagged on an old swivel handle sticking out on a walk way.

Below are some relevant parts of AS4775 to assist you in your decision:-

AS 4775 Emergency Eye wash & Shower Equipment

Section: 7 Plumbed and Self -Contained Eyewash Equipment

7.2 Performance of plumbed and self-contained eyewash units

When activated plumbed and self-contained eye wash equipment shall deliver flushing fluid to the eyes at a flow rate not less than 1.5 litres per minute for a minimum of 15 minutes. Where the fluids supply to plumbed equipment is time-limited, this shall be clearly indicated and quantified by prominent signage adjacent to the equipment.

Where eye wash equipment has a time-limited supply of flushing fluid, a risk assessment shall be conducted to identify whether a longer flow period is required. Such a risk assessment may address the nature and quantity of hazardous materials at the location, likely exposure scenarios, distance to emergency response and emergency facilities and so on.

Appendix F1 Personal Eyewash Units

The first seconds following an eye injury are often critical to keeping eye injury to a minimum. A personal eye wash may be kept in the immediate vicinity of employees working in a potentially hazardous area. The main purpose of these units is to supply immediate flushing. With this accomplished, the injured individual should then proceed to a plumbed or self-contained eye wash and flush the eyes for the required 15 minutes.

Please see below the Australian Standards AS4775 requirement for lighting

The three sections require the equipment be identified by signage and the area is well illuminated:

The use of a green light is not stipulated in this Australian Standard, although it is used to identify the equipment location, This is more based around risk assessment, the colour green is associated with a medical facility. The green light readily identifies to users where the safety shower or eye wash is located for ease of finding in an emergency.

A green light doesn’t illuminate the area. The area still needs to be well illuminated.

AS4775-2007 Emergency eye wash and shower equipment

6.6 Location (Safety Shower)

Emergency safety showers shall be positioned in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach. The shower shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions that may inhibit the immediate use of the equipment. Where the possibility of temperature extremes exists, equipment shall be protected from their effects both with respect to the equipment’s operation and the flushing fluid.

Each emergency safety shower location shall be identified with a highly visible sign complying with AS1319 positioned so the sign is visible throughout the area served by the shower.

The area around the emergency shower shall be well illuminated.

7.4 Location (Eye Wash)

Emergency Eye washes shall be positioned in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach. The eye wash unit shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions that may inhibit the immediate use of the equipment. For a strong acid or strong caustic, the eyewash should be located immediately adjacent to the hazard.

Each eyewash location shall be identified with a highly visible sign complying with AS1319 positioned so the sign is visible throughout the area served by the shower.

The area around the eyewash shall be well illuminated.

8.4 Location (Eye Face Wash)

Emergency Eye/face washes shall be positioned in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach. The eye/face wash unit shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions that may inhibit the immediate use of the equipment. For a strong acid or strong caustic, the eye/face wash should be located immediately adjacent to the hazard.

Each safety eye/face wash location shall be identified with a highly visible sign complying with AS1319 positioned so the sign is visible throughout the area served by the shower.